Blessings, Gratitude and Inspiration

Over the last 24 hours I have observed, enjoyed and experienced a wide range of blessing, gratitude and inspiration. Yesterday I had the ability to leave work early. The rest of the Doorstep Team finished out the day and I was free to go…thanks guys My parents willingly came to our home and took care of our 5 young boys so my wife and I could have an evening out! Thanks mom and dad. My wife had gotten me tickets to a show for my birthday. Tickets to see the great Mumford and Sons in Camden, NJ…on a Thursday night. We had the ability to enjoy overpriced food and drinks at a great venue. Despite the rain during the show…everyone enjoyed themselves. 20,000 plus people were joined together and inspired by words and musical score created by a few guys from Ireland. It was a night to remember. As we left the show and began the long walk back to our car we joined a throng of others who were also leaving the show. During the walk I observed a police force and security folks out keeping watch. Working late to create a safe environment for the crowd. As we and others made our way to our SUV’s and looked forward to a cup of convenience store coffee to help get us up the road and back to our homes and families…I observed folks sitting in the shadows with cardboard signs asking for money…asking for food. It was a wet and rainy night…I observed some folks sleeping under a bridge. What a contrast.

As my wife and I pulled into our driveway early this morning, and it was confirmed that our kids had been well cared for, and a hot shower was there, and a dry place to sleep, and a caring wife, and so much more….I was reminded of how blessed I am.

My car has some rust, the house will soon need a new roof, and braces might be in the future for some of our kids…but I am so blessed.

As we head into the Memorial Day weekend I wanted to again remember another group of people that I will never thank enough. The great men and women that serve and have served our country…Thank You for doing what you do to allow me to enjoy life and freedom!!

I truly hope you find yourself blessed, grateful and inspired!

All the Best!

-Daryl

Meet Ivan. A creative and passionate dude who is physically traveling across the country and personally thanking Wounded Warriors for their service to our country.